We have a selection of guidebooks to some of our most popular countries in Asia. Written by our specialists, they detail destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send this via a PDF to your email.

The Golden Triangle is a great starting point for anyone visiting India for the first time. The journey is made up of three of the most visited cities in north India – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, offering a fantastic combination of history and culture.

Only after stepping foot in India will you realise that Indian cuisine, as you know it, just doesn’t exist. To paint both the delicate and punchy flavours of India with the same broad brushstroke overlooks the smorgasbord of dishes on offer from north to south. Tried and tested recipes balance coriander, cumin and cardamom with almost scientific precision, guaranteeing a culinary experience you will never forget.

Enjoy a sneak peek into daily life in India by staying at a haveli or in a homestay. If only for a few nights, you will be shoehorned into a family, enjoying traditional Indian hospitality, sampling home cooked food and exploring the path less travelled. Staying at one of these unique lodgings will give you an incredible insight into real India, and you will be welcomed with open arms by hosts whose wealth of local knowledge knows no bounds. Coming in all shapes and sizes, from plantation bungalows to historic houses, majestic forts and charming cottages, a short stay in one of these unique properties allows you to immerse yourself in India rather than simply visit it.

India is a magical country which welcomes travellers with a chaotic and colourful assault on the senses. Never is this more prominent than during one of the many festivals. Below we have listed the dates for the major festivals in India in 2017. Speak to one of our specialists about incorporating one of these into a tailor-made itinerary.

With millions of passengers on the move every day, travelling on some 71,000 miles of track, India's intricate network of railways are the arteries of the country, connecting its bustling cities with its sleepy villages and everywhere in between. The sprawling rail network reaches the nooks and crannies of India which are otherwise impossible to find. Amongst the country's miles of train tracks are some of the most picturesque rail journeys in the world, most notable of which are its famed toy trains. Whilst perhaps not the most efficient way of getting from A to B, the experience is an absolute must to add to your India itinerary.

Taragarh Palace

Palampur, India

Best for: Honeymoon, Spectacular scenery, Walking Trekking

Set amidst 15 acres of lush forests and tea gardens at the foot of the Dhauladhar Mountains, Taragarh Palace Hotel is a beautiful heritage property offering splendid views of snow capped peaks and the surrounding Kangra Valley.

Taragarh Palace is a wonderful heritage hotel in Palampur, located 1,000 metres above sea level in the Kangra Valley. This property offers modern amenities and a first-class range of services alongside magnificent views over the Dhauladhar Mountains' snowy soaring peaks. Originally built in 1937 for escaping the summer heat, the hotel today offers 26 rooms and suites, with each one elegantly furnished and fully equipped with all modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

The Imperial Dining Hall is Taragarh's onsite restaurant, serving an array of Indian, Chinese and international dishes. It is also possible to eat on The Patio, an outdoor seating area where guests can dine whilst overlooking the majestic Dhauladhar range. There is also a swimming pool, tennis court, badminton court, fitness centre and horse riding available between April and August. Outside the confines of the hotel, guests can enjoy paragliding, visiting the Tashijong and Sherabling Monastery, a trip on the Kangra Valley Railway, nature treks and so much more. The charming unspoilt hill station of Palampur is definitely worth a visit, and Taragarh Palace provides the perfect place to unwind after busy day exploring the surrounding mountain landscape and nearby religious sites.

When to go

Due to its higher elevation, this region experiences much milder weather than other areas of India. The hot season falls between March and June and is the best time to visit as temperatures are fairly warm and there is less rainfall than other times of year, although warmer clothes are necessary for the evenings. Rhododendrons and magnolias are in full bloom during April and May, though at this time you may experience the occasional shower. Monsoon season falls from July to September and although temperatures stay mild, the area experiences heavy rainfall. October is another great time to visit, with cool temperatures and mountain views at their clearest. Progressing into late November the temperature plummets below freezing with snowfall starting and remaining until February.

We want to be really clear about this. We offer amazing value. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive, it simply means attention to every detail of your trip arranged by a true expert.

Here at Imagine Asia, we are so confident that we offer the best value on the market that we have a price promise. If you find the exact same holiday cheaper with another UK tour operator, then we promise to beat their price by £50.

Rest assured that all our holidays are 100% financially protected. Our ATOL bond protects holidays booked in the UK with flights. Our ABTOT bond protects holidays which are booked without flights or those booked outside the UK, either with or without flights.

Protection means that in the unlikely event that we become insolvent; your holiday will be refunded or you will be repatriated if already travelling or have flights with us.